The striking thing is that the transatlantic divergence in working patterns has coincided almost exactly with a comparable convergence in religiosity. Europeans not only work less; they also pray less – and believe less.
The observation made by Niall Ferguson highlights a fascinating relationship between changing working patterns and religiosity across the Atlantic. In Europe, a trend shows that people not only engage in fewer work hours but are also exhibiting decreased levels of prayer and belief in religion. This suggests a broader shift in cultural values and priorities that might be impacting daily life and spiritual practices.
This divergence between Europeans and their transatlantic counterparts indicates a significant transformation in societal norms. As Europeans embrace a lifestyle with less emphasis on work, they seem to be moving away from traditional religious practices, pointing to a potential decline in the role religion plays in contemporary European life compared to other regions, such as the United States, where work and faith may still hold greater significance.